Chrism Mass March 29
Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer and the priests of the Diocese of San Angelo will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass on Thursday, March 29, 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Church of the Sacred Heart, San Angelo.

At the Chrism Mass, the bishop comes together with the whole diocese to celebrate, worship and consecrate the holy oils used in all our parishes this coming year. The oils that will be blessed are the Oil of Chrism, from which the Mass gets its name; the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick.The Sacred Chrism is used to anoint people in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It is also used in the dedication and consecration of church buildings and altars. The Oil of the Sick is used for the blessing, strengthening, and healing of those who are sick or advanced in age, and the Oil of Catechumens is used to anoint Catechumens and infants about to be baptized.

The bishop is the only minister in the diocese who may consecrate chrism. This Mass highlights his ministry and our union with him. Although he is not able to baptize and confirm everyone in the parishes of the diocese, he will be symbolically present in the chrism which the priests and deacons will use.

The Chrism Mass also celebrates the unity between the bishop and the priests of the diocese. The priests of the diocese, in the presence of and in union with their bishop, renew their commitment to priestly service. It is highly significant and deeply moving for the bishop and priests to recall the promises made at their ordination as they renew their dedication to prayer, service, and celibate chastity.

Bishop Pfeifer has extended an invitation to all Catholics to join him and the priests of the Diocese of San Angelo for this Mass.

For more information, call Ashlee N. Bates at (210) 828-9921 or (800) 292-2548

Midland Lenten fish fry
The Our Lady of San Juan Youth Group in Midland is hosting its Lenten Fish Fry each Friday from 6-8 p.m. during Lent Plates are $7 and include fish, fries, hush puppies, cole slaw and a drink. Our Lady of San Juan is located at 1008 W. New Jersey.

San Angelo life insurance agency receives top honor

SAN ANTONIO—The Pelzel Agency of San Angelo was honored recently by Catholic Life Insurance, the nation’s 9th largest fraternal benefit society. The agency was named one of the top “General Agencies of the Year” during the 2007 Leaders Conference, Jan. 19-21 at the Lakeway Inn Conference Ctr. in Austin.

The Pelzel Agency is managed by Larry G. Pelzel, FIC. Pelzel has been with Catholic Life Insurance since Nov. 1973.

Werner A. Halfmann, FIC of Lowake and Wilbert Jost, FIC of Wall both earned the prestigious Catholic Life Insurance “Twelve Apostle” award. Halfmann also received his twenty-year service award designation. Tommy Hoelscher, FIC, of St. Lawrence received his 10-year service award designation.

As one of the top General Agencies of the Year, agency associates lead the company in life and annuity sales production and service. Other agency associates include Al Simnacher, FIC, of Hereford; Edmund Klepac, FIC of San Angelo; Dennis Schraeder, FIC of St. Lawrence; Arnold Frerich, FIC of Rowena; Floyd Frerich, FIC of San Angelo; Elvera Hoelscher, FIC of Levelland; Gerald Jost, FIC of Wall; Wade Hampton, FIC of Millersview; James Mallow of Brady; Nancy Demel of Levelland; Robert Baron of Menard; and Olen Dreyer of Midland.

Deacon Evans named Rural Life director

Deacon Charlie Evans, of Voss, has been named to succeed Deacon Beck Knox as the Diocese of San Angelo’s Director of Rural Life. The appointment is effective for five years beginning Feb. 1.

“As so many of our people depend on rural life, ranching and farming, I am deeply grateful Deacon Evans has accepted this ministry to help spiritually support our people as they deal with so many complicated issues in the area of rural life today,” said the Most Rev. MIchael Pfeifer, Bishop of San Angelo.

Two rural Masses will be celebrated this calendar year: The Seed and Soil Mass, May 15, near Rowena, and a Mass of Thanksgiving, June 12, at the Ivie Reservoir.